Light therapy spot applicator

ABSTRACT

Phototherapy systems comprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDs disposed in a holdable spot applicator assembly, the holdable spot applicator assembly including a reflective surface facing towards a patient and a plurality of LEDs for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to a user. The lamps and associated circuitry are housed within a holdable elongated structure.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/011,172, filed Jun. 18, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/589,004, filed May 8, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.9,999,783, issued Jun. 19, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/747,145, filed Jun. 23, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.10,092,770, issued Oct. 9, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/324,453, filed Jul. 7, 2014, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,286,224, issued May 14, 2019, which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/604,012, filed Sep. 5, 2012, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,771,328, issued Jul. 8, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/532,140, filed Sep. 8, 2011,and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/567,552, filed Dec. 11, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,789,333, issuedOct. 17, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/914,624, filed Dec. 11, 2013, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present embodiments relate to devices and methods for deliveringlight-based skin therapy treatments for improving skin health, such asanti-aging enhancement, acne prevention, or acne treatment, usinglight-emitting diode (LED) light therapy, although other types of lightradiating sources can be used.

BACKGROUND

Certain light spectrums emitted by LEDs (blue or red) are known to betherapeutic for skin treatment against maladies such as acne, or arebeneficial to inhibit skin aging. However, there is a need to provideusers/patients with a convenient at-home light therapy delivery devicesuch as a wearable mask, veil or hood that is adjustable or flexible toconform to different sizes and shapes, and that is simple to use withoutuser discomfort. Currently available at-home, consumer usable productson the market are fixed to one-size and/or usually have to be hand-held;which generally have not proven satisfactory for providing the best ordesired light dispersion. The alternative is customers visiting adoctor's office to receive treatments.

Prior known light therapy devices, particularly masks, have sufferedfrom problems relating to the exposure of the LEDs and the associatedcircuitry to power the LEDs to contact by users. More particularly, inan effort to maximize light communication to a patient, the LEDs havebeen disposed in a manner which allow them to be physically engaged(e.g., touched) by a patient, or even contact a treatment surface, whichprocesses are debilitating to the LEDs as a result of the accumulationof dirt and oil. In addition, any such engagement can be dangerous topatients who are exposed to the sharp or hot edges of the LEDs and theassociated circuitry. The exposure of detailed circuitry presents anintimidating and unpleasant experience when the therapy requires severalminutes of time for completion and the mask is disposed relatively closeto the face, often causing an uncomfortable, claustrophobic sensationover time to the patient.

A hands-free therapeutic experience is always better than having to holdthe device in a particular position for extended periods of time duringthe therapy. Numerous assemblies have been conceived for mounting masksand helmet-like devices to varieties of straps, bands, wraps and cords,which can result in a pressing of the support and mounting assemblyclosely against the hair or scalp of a patient. There is always a needto minimize the extent of such attachment assemblies so that on the onehand the subject device is securely attached on the patient, but alsothat the attaching structure has minimal consequence to the patient'scomfort during the therapy itself. Being relatively light in weight, andeasily and minimally supported during therapeutic use are important toconsumer acceptance.

As users come in a variety of shapes and sizes, devices should be sizeor area adjustable so that the therapy can be efficiently applied and/orselectively intensified to desired treatment areas.

Lastly, particularly in therapeutic devices treating facial areas, eyeprotection is needed to avoid light damage or irritation to a patient'seyes. Prior known devices have typically used separable patches whichmust rest on the eye area to block the therapeutic light fromcommunication to the eye system itself. There is a need for a better waythat is readily adaptable to communicate therapeutic light to areas nearthe eyes, particularly with regard to anti-aging treatments, and stillprotect the patient.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, embodiments of aholdable spot light therapy treatment device are disclosed. The lighttherapy spot application addresses the need to treat a relatively smallarea of a user's treatment area, such as the user's face, to preventand/or treat a skin condition such as acne. While this disclosureinitially describes a light therapy platform system including a facialmask, additional embodiments are illustrated and described to includethe disclosed light therapy technology into a holdable light therapyspot applicator.

As with the light therapy facial mask platform, the light therapy spotapplicator disclosed provides a convenient at-home light therapydelivery device.

It is desired to provide alternative means of using the benefits of thelight therapy in a manner to maximize therapeutic efficiencies inexposure while maintaining ease and convenience of use. For this reason,a variety of light weight, flexible and adjustable embodiments aredisclosed within this disclosure incorporating a variety of energyvarying applications responsive to user conditions or needs.

SUMMARY

The present embodiments comprise phototherapy systems and devicescomprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDsare disposed in an assembly comprising a first wall to which the lampsare affixed thereto and a second wall, closer to the patient, spacedfrom the first wall wherein the lamps are recessed relative thereto. Thesecond wall comprises a reflective surface facing towards a patient anda plurality of light apertures substantially aligned with the LEDs onthe first wall for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to auser. The lamps and associated circuitry are disposed between the firstand second wall so that the reflective surface is relatively smooth andseamless towards the patient. The number of lamps are minimized, as isthe circuitry therefor, and other assembly materials are purposefullyselected for a relatively light weight assembly resulting in enhanceduser comfort during therapy sessions. The walls have a malleablerigidity for flexible adjustability relative to the user. Moreparticularly, the walls have a concave configuration relative to theface of the user which is adjustable relative to a rest position to beexpandable relative to a size of the head of the user for a closefitting and secure engagement to the user during use. The device ismounted to the user with a frame comprising an eyeglass frame or gogglesincluding lenses for shielding the user's eyes from lamp radiation. Theadjustability of the embodiments is further enhanced by the walls beingpivotable relative to the support frame and where the frames may includetelescopic temple arms for selective adjustability relative to the headsize of the user. The device is thus supported on the patient as awearable hands-free mask or the like. A power source communicates energyto the lamps and comprises a remote battery pack and may also include acontrol processor for counting the number of uses by the device for theuser and for indicating a need for device replacement after apredetermined number of uses.

The present embodiments comprise an adjustable/flexible platform forproviding a light-based therapy that is adaptable to the user'sreceptive surfaces, whether based on size or condition, wherein thelight therapy can be applied without limitation of the kind of light andwithout limitation of the ultimate purpose of the therapy, i.e., beauty,health, and/or wound healing. Such sources can vary in the form of theradiant energy delivery. Pulsed light (IPL), focused light (lasers) andother methods of manipulating light energy are encompassed within thepresent embodiments. Other methods of light emission may comprisecontinuous, pulsed, focused, diffuse, multi wavelength, singlewavelength, visible and/or non-visible light wavelengths.

A present embodiment describes forms such as a shaped/fitted mask,goggles, eye mask, shroud or hood, and facial mask (collectivelyreferred to as “mask”) with LED light emitted from LED bulbs or LEDstrips that are capable of being adjusted to accommodate the variancesin face size or areas intended for therapeutic attention. Controlsystems are included to vary light intensity, frequency or direction.

The platform can be secured to the head by multiple means: eyeglassframes, straps, drawstring, harness, Velcro®, turn dial or snap andbuttons. As the mask is secured it can be adjusted upward, for chin toforehead coverage. It can also be adjusted outward, for side-to-sidecoverage. In addition, once the platform has been bent/slid to cover theface area, the distance of the platform from the skin can be adjustedfor achieving a desired light intensity relative to a user's skinsurface. Thus, the light therapy can be maximized in up to threephysical dimensions.

The subject adjustability may be implemented through “smart” processingand sensor systems for enhanced flexibility/adjustability in the form ofadjustable energy output, adjustable wavelengths, priority zones,timers, and the like. The sensors of the sensor systems will enable thesubject embodiments to have the ability to evaluate the skin of the faceand body of a patient with sensors for color, wrinkles, age spots, acne,lesion density, and the like, and plan a smart treatment, utilizing moreor less energy on the priority zones. The subject embodiments can besmart from the standpoint of skin type, age, overall severity ofproblems and have the ability to customize the treatment accordingly.

In yet another embodiment, the lamps are embedded in a flexible sheet offormable material and are integrally molded as strips within a materialsheet.

In addition, control systems can measure or count device usage andcommunicate historical usage, and indicate a time for replacement.

The present disclosure thus describes a fully flexible and adjustableLED device which provides improved usability and light dispersion.

In still another embodiment of this disclosure, a phototherapy devicecomprising a therapeutic lamp platform including an elongated structurehaving a concave reflective end including a plurality of radiant lampshaving a mixed combination of different wavelength radiant energy anddisposed to communicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area, theconcave reflective end communicating the radiation radiant energy to theuser treatment area from the plurality of radiant lamps wherein theconcave reflective end disperses the radiant energy over the usertreatment area.

In another embodiment of this disclosure, a phototherapy devicecomprising a therapeutic lamp platform comprising an elongated structureincluding a concave reflective end including a plurality of radiantlamps having a mixed combination of different wavelength radiant energyand disposed to communicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area,the concave reflective end configured to communicate the radiationradiant energy to the user treatment area from the plurality of radiantlamps wherein the concave reflective end disperses the radiant energyover the user treatment area.

In still another embodiment of this disclosure, a phototherapy devicecomprising an elongated structure including a concave reflective end, aplurality of radiant lamps operatively disposed to communicate radiantenergy from the concave reflective end to a user treatment area, whereinthe concave reflective end disperses the radiant energy over the usertreatment area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a therapeutic lampplatform comprising a wearable mask;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the controller B;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a two-wall structure of theembodiment of FIG. 1 wherein an inner wall includes light aperturesaligned with the LEDs for communicating the therapeutic light to theuser;

FIG. 7 is a second cross-sectional view taken along a verticalcenter-line;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustratingdisposition of recessed LED lamps relative to inner wall apertures;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment wherein thepower supply and control circuitry are integrally formed with the maskassembly;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment wherein themask walls are spaced by a flange;

FIG. 12 is an embodiment of a packaging assembly containing the deviceof FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 illustrates a try-me feature of the packaging of FIG. 11 whereina user can view a sample operation of the device;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of operational device control;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment including asee-through slot and a third light absorbing layer;

FIGS. 16A-16D are elevated views of the assembled device of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment including eyeprotecting goggles;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment having a masksized for applying the LED therapy to the eye area;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective views of a light therapy spotapplicator according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 20A is another perspective view of a light therapy spot applicatoraccording to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 20B is an exploded view of the light therapy spot applicator shownin FIG. 20A;

FIGS. 21A-21F illustrate various views of the light therapy spotapplicator shown in FIG. 20A;

FIGS. 22A-22E illustrate various views of the shroud portion of thelight therapy spot applicator shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B;

FIG. 23 is an electrical schematic of a light therapy spot applicatoraccording to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; and

FIG. 24 is an operational logic diagram associated with a light therapyspot applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject embodiments relate to a phototherapy system includingmethods and devices, including a wearable hands-free device with aremote or integrated battery pack for powering therapeutic lamps in thedevice. The subject devices display numerous benefits including a lightplatform wherein the platform and the lamps therein are properlypositionable relative to a user during use with no human touch accordingto one exemplary embodiment. That is, structural componentry of thedevice not only supports the lamp platform on the user, but functions asa guide for the appropriate disposition of the lamps relative to thetreatment areas of the user. The structural assembly of the deviceprecludes sharp or hot surfaces from being engageable by a user as thelamps are recessed relative to an inner reflective surface closest toand facing the patient treatment surface. Circuit componentry tocommunicate power to the lamps is also encased within the wallstructure. Therapeutic light, shining through wall apertures, iscommunicated to the user while the lamps and the circuitry areeffectively encased within the spaced wall structure. A smooth seamlesssurface is thus presented to the user that is properly spaced for thedesired therapeutic treatments, yet provides improved ventilation sothat an aesthetic and appealing device surface is presented to the userthat minimizes user discomfort. Other benefits relate to theadjustability of the device in the form of a flexible mask which formsupon user receipt to match a treatment surface, e.g., a head size, ofthe user. Smart componentry not only measures device usage, but may alsocalculate lamp degradations so that a time for proper replacement can becommunicated to a user. The overall assembly is purposefully constructedof relatively light weight and minimized componentry for ease of useruse and comfort.

More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the subjectembodiments include a lamp platform A and a remote battery pack B. Theplatform A is comprised of a wall structure 10 encasing the plurality oftherapeutic lamps such as red and blue LEDs 12 and circuitry 14 forcommunicating power to the lamps via cable 80 and connector 83 from thebattery pack B. Other radiant energy forms could also includefluorescents, lasers or infrareds. The wall structure 10 is mounted on asupport frame 20 connected via snap-out pivotal connections 22 whichallows the wall structure to adjust position via a slight pivot relativeto the frame 20. The frame 20 also includes protective lenses 24 and anose bridge 26. The temple arms 28 may be fixed or telescopic and hingerelative to the frame 20 so that the platform A can be mounted on a userin a hands-free support manner via resting on the nose with the nosebridge 26 and the ears with temple arms 28.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 it can be seen that the wallstructure 10 is comprised of an outer wall 50 and an inner wall 52. Theouter wall is disposed furthest away from the treatment surface of theuser, while the inner wall 52 is disposed closer thereto. The walls havea concave configuration in both horizontal and vertical directions andare constructed of a plastic material having a malleable rigidity sothat the structure 10 can be bent and deflected slightly during use. Theconcavity comprises a multi-dimensional parabolic curvature for catchingand reflecting the radiation back to the treatment areas. It is intendedthat the concavity is slightly smaller than the head of the user so thatthe mask has to be bent out when applied thereby providing a close butcomfortable tightness on the user which will keep the assembly A in adesired position during use. The concavity also positions thetherapeutic lamps or LEDs 12 in desired positions relative to the user.The spacing 54 between walls 50 and 52 receives the lamps 12 andcircuitry 14 so that the lamps and circuitry are interposed between thewalls for enhanced safety and convenience purposes. It can be seen thatthe spacing is diminished from the middle of the device towards the endportions 58, 60; however, the entire end perimeter of the assembly 10 issealed as the walls come together. Such a mating seal is typicallyeffected through a sonic weld arrangement. Alternatively, local sealingpoints (not shown) can be employed to assemble the walls together withspaced intermediate seals. Thus, the inner and outer masks havedifferent radii of concavity but present an integral structure as far asthe user is concerned. The outer wall 50 primarily functions as asupport for the lamps 12 and circuitry 14. With reference to FIG. 4 itcan be seen that the lamps are disposed on the wall 50 in apredetermined manner for radiating treatment areas most susceptible forthe phototherapeutic treatment. A minimum number of lamps 12 areintended but still enough to provide effective therapy. Alternatively,the lamps could be fixed to the inner wall 52. Regardless of which wallsupports the lamps, the lamps need to be properly aligned with apertures70 to desired treatment areas.

Rather than placing a plurality of LEDs randomly, the subject LEDs arespecifically minimized in number and disposed relative to the treatmentareas and wall parabolic reflectivity to effect the desired therapy.More particularly, it can be seen that the individual lamps 12, andassociated inner wall apertures 70, are disposed to treat the mostcommon areas benefiting from the therapy. The present embodimentsillustrate a placement pattern useful for skin acne treatment. Otherplacement patterns are certainly intended to fall within the scope ofthe disclosed embodiments. Here three LED strips are seen and wouldtypically comprise two blue strips on the top and bottom of a middle redstrip, as these frequencies are most useful for acne treatment. Thesubject invention may include only blue, only red, or any other mixedcombination of LED or other radiant energy form pattern. The illustratedpattern would thus have intensified therapeutic effect on the jaw line,chin, cheek and forehead, but not the eyelids. Light sources can includeLEDs, fluorescents, lasers or infrareds as an example. Such sources canvary in the form of the radiant energy delivery. Pulsed light (IPL),focused light (lasers) and other methods of manipulating light energyare encompassed within the present embodiments. Other methods of lightemission may comprise continuous, pulsed, focused, diffuse, multiwavelength, single wavelength, visible and/or non-visible lightwavelengths.

The inner wall 52 is comprised of a smooth seamless reflective surfacefacing the treatment area and includes a plurality of apertures 70matingly aligned relative to the lamps so that the lamps can radiate thetherapeutic light 57 through the apertures 70. Accordingly, the LEDs 12are recessed relative to the inner wall 52 to preclude contact with thetreatment surface and to make it very difficult for the lamps themselvesto be in any way contacted by the user. Such an assembly results in acontrolled communication of radiating therapy in a manner to impart apredetermined cone of therapeutic light on to a treatment area. Theapertures are disposed relative to desired treatment areas and wallparabolic configuration for even light distributions across thetreatment area. A combination of such a controlled cone of light,predetermined disposition of the lamps themselves on the platform, aninner reflective surface on the inner wall 52, and a controlledpositioning of the assembly relative to the treatment area via aplatform position relative to contact areas of the nose and the ears,presents an assembly which presents a highly predictable distributivepattern of the light (predetermined cones of light per light source),thereby minimizing the number of lamps 12 that need to be included foreffective treatment.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, one embodiment comprises a supportframe essentially comprising eyeglass frames as the associated supportstructure for the platform 10. Interchangeable lenses 24 can be used toadjust the level of protection afforded by the lenses or their relativeshape. Although not shown therein, telescopic temple arms 28 maytelescope for better sizing relative to the head size of the user.Formable ear latches can also be included as part of the temple arms.Alternatively, the arms could include a head strap. The pivotable joints22 allow the wall structure to pivot relative to the frames so that auser may adjust light intensity relative to a treatment area by movingthe layers closer or farther away. As noted above, the platform 10 isflexible with a concave parabolic bias, but still has a malleablerigidity. When the frame 10 is received on the user, it is disposed toexpand the platform parabolic bias to form a match to the size of theuser. Eyeglass frame reference contact points of the user may comprisethe nasion area, the nose bridge and the ears of the user.Alternatively, the support frame can comprise a goggle and head strapconfiguration relying on the nasion area.

Battery pack B (FIG. 5) holds the supply batteries 81 and processingcontroller 82 that is in electrical communication with the lamps throughwire 80. The wiring between connectors 83 and LED strips 12 is not shownto avoid drawing clutter but is contained between walls 50, 52. Thebattery pack will include an on-off switch 84 and a user interface 86.The processing controller 82 may include a variety of control systemsindicating device usage to the user. Such a system would be a counter.The user interface may comprise a display for a variety of usefulinformation from the controller control systems to the user, such as acount of the number of times of usage and communication that the devicehas been used enough times such that the LEDs themselves have degradedand a replacement is recommended for the therapy.

“Try-me packaging”, FIGS. 11 and 12, presents a demonstrative useopportunity to a potential user while still packaged. The subjectembodiments further include a packaging assembly 210 containing thedevice wherein a switch S1 (not shown) for operating the lamp assemblyhas a multi-position effect functionality including an on-mode, anoff-mode and a try-me mode. The try-me mode is accessible while the lampassembly is contained in packaging for displaying lamp operation to auser. The packaging includes a clear or translucent cover 212 over thedevice A. A try-me time-out circuit is included for limiting the try-medisplay time of lamp operation, such as, for example two seconds. Lampon-time as measured by the counter is segregable from the try-me mode sothat try-me usage will not affect dosage count of the device for actualtherapy. It is assumed try-me usage time will be negligible relative toa dosage use time.

The subject devices include multiple benefits to the user in a wearablehands-free device with a remote battery pack. The device is properlypositionable in a relatively automatic way with minimal human touch byexploiting user reference contact points, and is particularly hand-freeduring use. No sharp or hot surfaces are engageable by the user. Asmooth seamless surface faces the user and is properly spaced from thetreatment area to provide enhanced ventilation and minimal discomfortduring treatment.

With particular reference to FIG. 13, a flowchart illustrating anoperational embodiment of a device control is illustrated. The devicevisioned as operational by FIG. 10 includes two switches, S1, S2, atleast one of which are required to be closed to communicate energy froman energy source to the therapeutic lamps. S2 is a safety switch whichis open when the device is in sales packaging so that only the “try-me”mode is enabled when S2 is open. After removal from the packaging, S2can be closed and the device can be operated in a normal mode.Accordingly, after start 100, and in a situation when S2 is opened 102,such as when the device is still within the packaging, the system willremain in a stand-by mode wherein the GUI interface (such as an LCD) isoff 104. If S2 remains closed 106 but S1 is pressed 108 (e.g. FIG. 12),then the device can enter the “try-me” mode 110 wherein the LEDs willlight up for two seconds, then turn off 112. Such a “try-me” modeoperational demonstration to a user while the device is in a packagingcommunicates to the user actual operation and can assist in a decisionto purchase, or have a better understanding of how the device operates.If the device is removed from the packaging, and S2 is closed, thedevice will enter normal mode 114 wherein the GUI will include an LCDdisplaying the number of cycles left according to a counter value. Notethat counter value 134 is not affected by any try-me sampling operation.

In one embodiment, the unit will count down from 55 to 1, as 55 uses isdeemed to be enough to diminish enough LED efficiency from the peakoperational mode of LEDs when they are used as the therapeutic radiantlamps. Accordingly, upon a user picking up the device, they willimmediately know how many cycles are left for acceptable and recommendedoperation of the device from 55 more uses all the way down to 0 118. Ifthe display shows a count greater than 0, and the user is interested ina therapy session, the user will turn the unit on by pressing S1 120wherein the LEDs will ramp up to radiant operation 122 in approximately1.5 seconds and then will radiate continuously 124 until either the userdesires to turn off the unit by again pressing S1 126 so that the LEDscan ramp down 128 or until a therapy session has timed out 130 such asfor remaining radiant for approximately ten minutes. After completing anappropriate run time of a therapy session, the LEDs will ramp down 132and the GUI display to the user will subtract 1 from the counter value134.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, an alternative embodiment is shownwherein a controller B is eliminated and the energy source andprocessing control are all integrally assembled in the device 90. Inthis case, the platform 20 and walls 50, 52 remain substantially thesame as per the FIG. 1 device. However, the energy source such asbatteries 92 are disposed as part of the eyeglass temple arms whereinwires provide energy from the batteries 92 to the LEDs through the hingepoints of the frame 20 and into the spacing 54 for ultimate connectionto the LEDs themselves. The controller 94 including LCD display 96 isalso housed behind the reflective wall 52 relative to the user, whichwall 52 can include a relatively small cutout (not shown) for the screen96.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 is thus even more compact than theembodiment of FIG. 1, and more hands-free therefrom, as it eliminatesthe need to somehow manage the controller B during operation.

FIG. 11 shows yet another alternative embodiment wherein the outer wall50′ and the inner wall 52′ are not spaced by being configured withdifferent curvatures. Rather, the walls 50′, 52′ have the samecurvature, but the inner wall 52 has an off step 300 depending from thewall perimeter to form a flange raised from the surface of the wall 52′towards the outer wall 50′ to effectively form a spacer between the two.In one embodiment, the flange 300 is about 8 millimeters wide, continuesaround the entire perimeter of the wall 52′ and is about 0.5 millimetersthick for effecting the desired spacing between the inner and outerwalls. In this embodiment the flange 300 is part of the inner wall 52′,and as in the foregoing embodiment, both walls are vacuumed formedplastic, either PET or PVC. The assembly of FIG. 11 can be sonic welded,glued, or adhered with double-sided adhesive. Alternatively, a pluralityof intermediate sealing points (not shown) could be used instead of acontinuous seal. In this embodiment it can be seen that there is analternative number of LEDs 12′ opposite the forehead portion of theassembly relative to the user so that the number of apertures 70′ andLEDs 12′ are reduced from the foregoing embodiment from eighteen tofifteen. Either number of LEDs is a viable implementation of the desiredtherapy, although the other componentry of the assembly FIG. 11 issubstantially the same as that shown in the foregoing figures.

Another alternative embodiment from the device shown in FIG. 1, etc.,includes disposition of a transparent flexible polymer sheet (not shown)incorporating working LED lights between outer wall 50 and inner wall52. Such a configuration would comprise the polymer film being coatedwith a transparent thin layer of carbon nanotubes in a specificconfiguration to act as the wire pathways to connect LED lights. Thepolymer would protect the LEDs from user contact. Such protectivepolymers are available under the Lumisys® brand.

Yet another alternative embodiment includes such a transparent flexiblepolymer sheet wherein a reflective film is applied on top of theflexible polymer sheet including cutouts opposite the LEDs for allowingthe radiant light to communicate through a reflective area in a manneras shown in the relationship of FIG. 4 between the LEDs' 12 inner wall52 through aperture 70. This arrangement may also include a flexibleouter wall 50 on the other side of the flexible polymer sheet to providemalleable rigidity to the film, reflective coating assembly.

Yet another alternative embodiment includes a plurality of sensors (notshown), such as temperature or radiant energy sensors, disposed relativeto inner wall 52 to monitor radiant energy exposure of a user duringtherapy. If such exposure is deemed inappropriate for any reason,sensing thereof is recognized by controller B and the therapy can behalted.

FIG. 15 shows yet another alternative embodiment including an outershield 150 including a see-through slot 152, an inner reflective shield154, and eyeglass assembly 156, and LED strips 158. These elements aresubstantially similar, but for the see-through slot 152 andcorresponding aligned slots, as the foregoing embodiments.Alternatively, this embodiment includes a third layer 160 intermediatethe outer shield 150 and the inner shield 154. Layer 160 preferablycomprises a thin opaque black plastic sheet which serves to absorb orblock out lamp radiation and eliminate all light leakage from the frontof the mask, i.e., out through the outer shield 150. Layer 160 ispreferably affixed to the inside of the outer layer 150 and then the LEDstrips are affixed to the layer 160. The strips 158 still remainrecessed relative to the inner surface 162 of the inner shield 154 forthe benefits noted above. FIG. 15 also shows a controller assembly cable164 and an eyeglass assembly mounting post 166. The eyeglass assemblylenses 168 are tinted but do not preclude a user to see through theinner shield slot 170, the third layer slot 172 and the outer shieldsee-through slot 152. The aligned slots 152, 170, 172 comprise acontinuous viewing opening that is an integral part of the mask. A layer160 is sized to provide perimeter spacing from the outer perimeter ofthe outer shield 150. When the unit is operating and the LEDs areilluminated, this provides a perimeter illumination to an observer ofthe user which not only communicates that the unit is in operation butprovides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In one embodiment the LED strips 158 are preferably attached to theintermediate third layer 160 by being received in corresponding pockets(not shown) in the layer 160. Alternatively, they can be adhesivelyapplied to the layer 160. The wires between the strips 158 are very thinand just rest between the middle layer and the inner shield 154, i.e.,no special wire routing. There is accommodation for the main cable andstrain relief—leading to the first LED strip. The whole middle layerassembly fits into the chamfered recess in the inner shield 154, andthere are locating points top/bottom and left/right. This is securedwith double-sided tape. The middle layer/LED strips/inner shieldassembly is completed by the outer shield 150 (also by double-sidedtape). There are several sonic welds 180 (FIG. 16) that permanentlysecure the layers together. Assembled perspective views 174, 176 areshown. FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate elevated views of the embodiment of FIG.15 when assembled.

FIG. 17 is yet another alternative embodiment which differs from theembodiment of FIG. 15 in that the see-through slots 152, 170, 172 havebeen eliminated and the eyeglass assembly 190 no longer has tintedlenses, but radiant light blocking goggles 192. Like elements from FIG.15 are same numbered and primed. In this embodiment, the eyes are to beprotected from any of the radiant energy emitted by the lamps. Such anembodiment is particularly useful for a phototherapeutic treatment ofred and infrared light for an anti-aging therapy. A red light evens skintone and reduces roughness. Infrared light reduces the appearance offine lines and wrinkles. However, whatever radiant energy may beemployed, the goggles 192 completely shield the eyes from the radiantenergy.

FIG. 18 is yet another embodiment where the mask assembly 220 is sizedto only treat the eye area of a patient so that the assembled mask ismuch smaller than that shown in FIG. 17. The LED strips 158″ aredisposed in a different arrangement from that FIG. 16 but the otherelements are essentially the same including the protective goggles 192″.

With reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B, illustrated are perspective viewsof a light therapy spot applicator 400 according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure. In addition, FIGS. 20-24 provide furtherdetails of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. Whilethe description that follows provides details of a light therapy spotapplication for acne spot treatment, it is to be understood that otherskin ailment treatments are within the scope of this disclosure, forexample, but not limited to other spot blemish treatments.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the disclosed light therapy spotapplicator 400 includes an elongated tubular structure 420, LEDs 437 todeliver light therapy spot treatment, a shroud 404 which coverscircuitry/control of LEDs and provides an inclined treatment applicatorsurface, a control slide switch and a foot 416. To operate the lighttherapy spot applicator 400, a user operates the button switch 406 toturn on the device and places the LED end of the device directly againstthe desired treatment area. A concave face of the shroud 404 protectsthe user treatment area from direct contact with LEDs 437 and theconcave face of the shroud 404 provides reflectively of radiation fromthe user treatment area back to the user treatment area. The inclinedconcave face of the shroud 404, relative to a longitudinal axis of thetube 420, provides an ergonomic design for ease of use resulting ineffectively and efficiently treating a facial spot treatment area, suchas acne.

With reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B, FIG. 20A is another perspectiveview of a light therapy spot applicator according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure and FIG. 20B is an exploded view of thelight therapy spot applicator shown in FIG. 20A.

As shown, the exemplary light therapy spot applicator 400 includes acover 402, a shroud 404, a button switch 406, a frame 408, a label 410,a positive battery connection 412, a fastener 414, a foot 416, a batterypull tab 418, a tube 420, a nut 422, a nut cover 424, a battery 426, anegative battery connection 428, a frame cover 430, a main PCB (PrintedCircuit Board) 432, a fastener 434, a LED PCB 436, a LED cover 438 and ashroud rivet 440.

With reference to FIGS. 21A-21F, illustrated are various views of thelight therapy spot application shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B.

As can be seen in the figures, the face 405 of shroud 404 issubstantially concave shaped and provides a radiant energy communicationarea for the LEDs 437 to provide light therapy, i.e., radiation therapy,to a user treatment area. In addition, a reflective surface of theconcave shaped shroud enhances the efficacy of the device by reflectingradiation from the user treatment area, as well as radiation emitteddirectly from the LEDs, back to the user treatment area. Furthermore,the concave shroud includes a raised or protruding surface which enablesa user to place the shroud face directly on a treatment area without anydirect contact of the LEDs 437 with the user treatment area, i.e., skin.As previously described, an inclined or angularly offset face relativeto the longitudinal axis of the tube 420 and frame 408 provides anergonomic design for ease of use. It is to be understood that variousangular offset angles can be used and include angular offsets less than90 degrees and greater than 0 degrees relative to the longitudinal axisof the elongated overall structure of the light therapy spot treatmentdevice. For example, from 15 degrees and 75 degrees, from 25 degrees to65 degrees, and substantially 45 degrees.

With reference to FIGS. 22A-22E, illustrated are various views of theshroud portion of the light therapy spot applicator shown in FIGS. 20Aand 20B.

With reference to FIG. 23, shown is an electrical schematic of a lighttherapy spot applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of thisdisclosure.

As shown, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, FIG.23 includes an arrangement of electronic components operativelyassociated with the control PCB 432 and LED PCB 436 which provide afunctioning light therapy spot application as described herein.Specifically, the electrical components of the device includes batteryB1; a low battery voltage circuit including components C10, U4 and R10;a step-up voltage circuit including components C4, L1, D1, C3 and U2;buzzer B2, an oscillator circuit including Y1, C1 and C2; switchcircuitry associated with the user controlled button switch 406including S1 and S2; LED driver circuit Q1, R2, R3 and R4, as well asLEDs LED1, LED2 and LED3. Logic control device U1 provides for thecontrol and operation of the light therapy spot applicator according toinstructions provided by an implemented algorithm, as will be furtherdiscussed with reference to FIG. 24.

With reference to FIG. 24, shown is an operational logic diagramassociated with a light therapy spot applicator according to anexemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown, the control algorithm operates as follows:

At step S500, the control algorithm starts and remains in aStand-By-Mode until activation of the user controller button switch 406.

Next, at step S502, the control algorithm remains in a Stand-By-Modeuntil the S1 switch contacts are closed for 1 second at S504, associatedwith a user depressing control button switch 406.

Next, the control algorithm determines if the battery voltage is low atstep S506, if the battery voltage is low, the control algorithm enters aLow Battery Mode at step S524 and activates Buzzer B2 at step S526 tonotify the user the battery needs to be replaced/re-charged, and thecontrol algorithm exits to Stand-By-Mode at step S522 until the deviceis turned off.

If the control algorithm determines battery voltage is not low at stepS506, the device activates Buzzer B2 at S508 and beeps once to notifythe user the device is beginning a light therapy dosing session.

At step S510, the control algorithm ramps-up the LEDs to the desireddosage power in 0-5 seconds and initializes an internal dosage timer.

At step S512, the control algorithm continuously drives the LEDs at thedesired power until the user presses and holds button control switch 406for 1 second or the control algorithm determines the LEDs have been onfor a continuous period of time associated with a predetermined dosagetime duration at step S516.

After either steps S514 and S516 determine it is appropriate to end alight therapy dosage session, at step S518 the control algorithm rampsdown the power delivered by the LEDs in a predetermined amount of time,e.g., 1.5 seconds.

Next, at step S520 the control algorithm activates Buzzer B2 andprovides two beeps to notify the user the light therapy dosing sessionhas ended.

Finally, the control algorithm exits to Stand-By-Mode at step S502.

Some portions of the detailed description herein are presented in termsof algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bitsperformed by conventional computer components, including a centralprocessing unit (CPU), memory storage devices for the CPU, and connecteddisplay devices. These algorithmic descriptions and representations arethe means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to mosteffectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in theart. An algorithm is generally perceived as a self-consistent sequenceof steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiringphysical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though notnecessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, andotherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principallyfor reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein,it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizingterms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or“determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action andprocesses of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device,that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical(electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers andmemories into other data similarly represented as physical quantitieswithin the computer system memories or registers or other suchinformation storage, transmission or display devices.

The exemplary embodiment also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations discussed herein. This apparatus may be specially constructedfor the required purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computerselectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored inthe computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computerreadable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type ofdisk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, andmagnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random accessmemories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any typeof media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupledto a computer system bus.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purposesystems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatus to perform the methods described herein. The structure for avariety of these systems is apparent from the description above. Inaddition, the exemplary embodiment is not described with reference toany particular programming language. It will be appreciated that avariety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachingsof the exemplary embodiment as described herein.

A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing ortransmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer). For instance, a machine-readable medium includes read onlymemory (“ROM”); random access memory (“RAM”); magnetic disk storagemedia; optical storage media; flash memory devices; and electrical,optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrierwaves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), just to mention a fewexamples.

The methods illustrated throughout the specification, may be implementedin a computer program product that may be executed on a computer. Thecomputer program product may comprise a non-transitory computer-readablerecording medium on which a control program is recorded, such as a disk,hard drive, or the like. Common forms of non-transitorycomputer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexibledisks, hard disks, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic storage medium,CD-ROM, DVD, or any other optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, or other memory chip or cartridge, or any other tangiblemedium from which a computer can read and use.

Alternatively, the method may be implemented in transitory media, suchas a transmittable carrier wave in which the control program is embodiedas a data signal using transmission media, such as acoustic or lightwaves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared datacommunications, and the like.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined intomany other different systems or applications. Various presentlyunforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations orimprovements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in theart which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A phototherapy device comprising: a bodyincluding a longitudinal length extending between a first end of thebody and a second end of the body, the body housing a plurality ofradiant lamps having a mixed combination of different wavelength radiantenergy proximately located near the first end of the body; a first endsurface located at the first end of the body, the first end surfaceincluding a concave surface and a radiant energy communication arearecessed from a protruding peripheral surface of the first end surface,the concave surface and radiant energy communication area configured todirect the radiant energy from the plurality of radiant lamps to a usertreatment area, wherein the first end surface traps the radiant energyfrom the plurality of radiant lamps within a confine limited by theconcave surface, the recessed radiant energy communication area, theprotruding peripheral surface of the first end surface and the usertreatment area with the first end surface in contact with an area aboutthe user treatment area; and a second end surface located at the secondend of the body; wherein the protruding peripheral surface is configuredto direct the radiant energy from the plurality of radiant lamps at anon-normal incident angle relative to the user treatment area with theprotruding peripheral surface in contact with the area about the usertreatment area.
 2. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, thebody further comprising: a main circuit board housed within the body;one or more batteries; and a control button, wherein the main circuitboard, the one or more batteries and the control button are operativelyconnected to control the plurality of radiant lamps.
 3. The phototherapydevice according to claim 1, further comprising: a fixed cover over theplurality of radiant lamps, the fixed cover transparent to the radiantenergy communicated from the plurality of radiant lamps to the usertreatment area.
 4. The phototherapy device according to claim 1, whereinthe concave surface includes one or more apertures for communicating theradiant energy to the user treatment area.
 5. The phototherapy deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a controller configured tocontrol a radiant energy dosage time duration.
 6. The phototherapydevice according to claim 5, wherein the radiant energy dosage timeduration is 2 minutes to 3 minutes.
 7. The phototherapy device accordingto claim 1, the body further comprising: a single battery housed withinthe body; and a step-up voltage circuit operatively associated with thesingle battery and one or more of the plurality of radiant lamps, thestep-up voltage circuit configured to step-up a voltage provided by thesingle battery to drive one or more of the plurality of radiant lamps.8. A phototherapy device comprising: a body including a longitudinallength extending between a first end of the body and a second end of thebody, the body housing one or more radiant lamps proximately locatednear the first end of the body, the one or more radiant lamps disposedto communicate radiant energy to a user treatment area; a first endsurface located at the first end of the body, the first end surfaceincluding a concave surface and a radiant energy communication arearecessed from a protruding peripheral surface of the first end surface,the concave surface and radiant energy communication area configured todirect the radiant energy from the one or more radiant lamps to the usertreatment area, wherein the first end surface traps the radiant energyfrom the one or more radiant lamps within a confine limited by theconcave surface, the recessed radiant energy communication area, theprotruding peripheral surface of the first end surface and the usertreatment area with the first end surface in contact with an area aboutthe user treatment area; and a second end surface located at the secondend of the body; wherein the protruding peripheral is configured todirect the radiant energy from the one or more radiant lamps at anon-normal incident angle relative to the user treatment area with theprotruding peripheral surface in contact with the area about the usertreatment area.
 9. The phototherapy device according to claim 8, thebody further comprising: a main circuit board housed within the body;one or more batteries; and a control button, wherein the main circuitboard, the one or more batteries and the control button are operativelyconnected to control the one or more radiant lamps.
 10. The phototherapydevice according to claim 8, further comprising: a fixed cover over theplurality of radiant lamps, the fixed cover transparent to the radiantenergy communicated from the one or more radiant lamps to the usertreatment area.
 11. The phototherapy device according to claim 8,wherein the concave surface includes one or more apertures forcommunicating the radiant energy to the user treatment area.
 12. Thephototherapy device according to claim 8, further comprising: acontroller configured to control a radiant energy dosage time duration.13. The phototherapy device according to claim 12, wherein the radiantenergy dosage time duration is 2 minutes to 3 minutes.
 14. Thephototherapy device according to claim 8, the body further comprising: asingle battery housed within the body; and a step-up voltage circuitoperatively associated with the single battery and one or more of theplurality of radiant lamps, the step-up voltage circuit configured tostep-up a voltage provided by the single battery to drive the one ormore radiant lamps.